SIS is excited to launch a new Guidance Toolkit for health and care researchers to help people with language needs, who require bilingual support to understand and express themselves fully in English, to be included and participate in research studies. Inclusive research is increasingly required by funders because it: improves the relevance and quality of…
SIS is delighted to be participating in the Climate for Communities Partnership to support people with language needs to engage with and participate in climate action locally. Thanks to National Lottery players, The Trust for Developing Communities (TDC) has been awarded almost £1.3 million over three years to empower underrepresented communities in Brighton & Hove…
A result of our membership of and funding from the Sussex Research Engagement Network, SIS has recently worked with a research team at the University of Sussex on their Digital Inclusion Lab project to help them make their research more inclusive for people with language needs. We met with the team to share our knowledge…
A new Public and Community Involvement and Engagement (PCIE) plan for the Sussex Cancer Research Centre (SCRC) has been developed through a partnership between Sussex Research Engagement Network (REN), Community Researchers, local VCSE organisations, and the SCRC. The plan is based on insights gathered during 2025 from almost 50 individuals from underserved communities in Sussex…
On a gloriously sunny Saturday 9th May, the UOK Partnership (B&H’s Wellbeing Support Service) and North Whitehawk Residents Association hosted a family friendly, wellbeing event in North Whitehawk. It aimed to bring the community together in a relaxed and fun environment, let residents know about the work of UOk, build trust and reach people who…
Community Voices Group (CVG) is for Brighton and Hove residents who identify as Black, brown, Asian or from another language, ethnic or migrant community. Members of the group talk to people in their community about what’s important to them and bring this information to meetings. The group discuss issues that matter to them and then talk…
SIS Service Users face barriers to taking part in Health and Social Care Research, including language, culture, and knowledge. However, culturally informed engagement, trusted relationships, and accessible, language supported research design can reduce these. SIS’s experience with Community Research started almost 10 years ago with the 2016 International Migrants Needs Assessment for Brighton and Hove…
In early February 2026, Research Engagement Network (REN) teams from across the South East came together to share their work, insights and learning. The Sussex REN was represented by SIS Quality Assurance & Projects Manager Vikki Gimson, and Bilingual Community Researcher Meryam Ejjia, alongside colleagues from Trust for Developing Communities. The event showcased the diverse…
SIS has recently been working with Sussex Partnership NHS Trust (SPFT) on their How Are You Really Feeling? mental health resources which signpost people to appropriate support for their mental health and emotional wellbeing in their region of Sussex. These leaflets and posters are available in 5 Community Languages and uploaded to the SIS translated…
Last year we celebrated 30 years with 160 people from across our extensive community networks. The memory of that AGM carried us through the challenges of 2025. Our vision for the 2025 AGM was to bring people together, build resilience and counter anti-refugee narratives. We wanted to live up to our reputation as `The People`s…
